Adjusting Mower Deck - All Models

Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower:

• Disconnect spark plug wire(s) or battery negative (-) cable to prevent engine from starting accidentally.
• Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades.

Mower deck anti-scalp wheels should not contact the ground while adjusting deck.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Avoid machine damage, adjustment will be inaccurate if tires are not properly inflated.

   Inflate tires to the correct pressure and be sure that left and right tire pressures are equal.

3. Raise the mower deck to the transport position.

4. Inspect mower blades for:

   • Blade sharpness.
   • Blade damage.
   • Bent blades.
   
   

Checking Level and Height of Cut

Mower deck anti-scalp wheels should not contact the ground.

1. 
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   Adjust the cut adjustment knob (A) to align cut height position 3 (B) to index mark (C) to get the required cut height.

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2. 
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   Confirm that cutting height is at position 3 by checking that the deck height position finger (D) on the lift shaft is aligned with the lobe labeled 3.

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3. 
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   Make sure that mower blades (E) are in straight forward (front-to-rear) position.

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4. Use a short ruler or a leveling gauge (Part No. AM130907) (F) to check the mower blade level.

   
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   Measure the distance (G) from the front blade tip to the ground for all three blades. The front blade tip should be within specification from the ground.

   Front Blade Tip	Distance	76 mm (+/- 3 mm) (3 in. +/- 1/8 in.)

   If distance is incorrect, see Adjusting Blade Tip Height. If it is correct, move on to Checking Blade Rake (Front to Rear Height).

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Adjusting Blade Tip Height

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Right Side Front and Rear Chain Links Of The Model Is Shown

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Front Right Chain Link Is Shown For Adjustment Of Right Blade Tip Height Adjustment

1. Loosen nut (B) using a 15 mm wrench.

2. Using the open end of a 16 mm wrench on hex fastener (A), raise or lower the deck as needed so the blade tip meets specification.

   Front blade tip height	Distance	76 +/- 3 mm (3 +/- 1/8 in.)

3. When deck is at required position, tighten nut (B) to specification.

   Jam nut	Torque	48 N·m (35 lb·ft)

4. Repeat the same procedure in front left chain link for left blade tip height adjustment.

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The marks (D) on the deck hanger brackets line up with the notch in leveling plate (C), use them as an indicator during adjustment. The marks are 6 mm (1/4 in.) apart from each other.

Checking Blade Rake (Front to Rear Height)

1. If an adjustment was made to the front blade tip height, then check the blade rake.

   Lower mower deck to 76 mm (3 in.) cutting height position.

2. Position right mower blade (discharge side) in straight forward (front-to-rear) position.

3. Measure from the right front blade tip to the ground.

4. Turn blade one hundred eighty degrees and measure from right rear blade tip to the ground.

5. Use a short ruler or a leveling gauge (Part No. AM130907) (C) to check the mower blade level.

   
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   The height (D) of the rear blade tip should be 3--6 mm (1/8--1/4 in.) higher than the front blade tip.

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6. Repeat steps 1--5 for left and center blade.

7. If the blade rake is not within the given tolerance then further adjustment is necessary.

Adjusting Blade Rake (Front-to-Rear)

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Rear Right Chain Link Is Shown For Right Blade Rake Height Adjustment

1. Loosen nut (B) using a 15 mm wrench.

2. Using the open end of a 16 mm wrench on hex fastener (A), raise or lower the deck as needed so the rear blade rake height is 3--6 mm (1/8--1/4 in.) higher than the front blade tip.

   Front blade tip height	Distance	76 +/- 3 mm (3 +/- 1/8 in.)

3. When deck is at required position, tighten nut (B) to specification.

   Jam nut	Torque	48 N·m (35 lb·ft)

4. Repeat the same procedure in rear left chain link for adjustment of left blade rake height adjustment.

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The marks (D) on the deck hanger brackets line up with the notch in leveling plate (C), use them as an indicator during adjustment. The marks are 6 mm (1/4 in.) apart from each other.